Origins of "Port" and "Starboard", help me settle office debate Options

[Scurvy Pete]

So we got into a friendly office debate on what the origins of the terms "Port" and "Starboard" for the sides of the boat/ship. I thought I would throw it up here and see what answers all you old salts and history buffs come up with.

One side says it was from the Romans, when boats had a sideboard type drop keel (not sure of correct term) attached to the gunnel on one side which prevented docking on that side - so the port side was the only side that could face the dock w/o crushing the keel board.

The other side says that up until 19th century "Starboard" and "Larboard" were used, but was often a cause for confusion and danger in high winds and seas as they sound almost the same. So the term "Port" was created circa 1850's to resolve this.

Is either side correct? I have no idea but assume the truth lies somewhere between them.